PV Sindhu’s improved attack has impressed badminton icon Saina Nehwal, who claimed the two-time Olympic medallist’s victory at the Japan Open demonstrated that she still has what it takes to win more titles because champions are never written off.
In the women’s singles final in Tokyo on Sunday, the 31-year-old Sindhu defeated three-time world champion Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in straight games to win her first Super 750 championship at the Japan Open.
She hadn’t won a major title since the 2019 World Championships. She won the 2022 Singapore Open Super 500 and the 2024 Syed Modi International Super 300.
“The last 2-3 years were actually very tough. She was trying to come out of the injuries but the way she has come out of it… the Super Series win that she won yesterday after defeating three or four top players here. And quite comfortably, she has attacked very hard. Her attack has improved a lot,” PTI quoted Saina as saying.
“So, that shows that, obviously, there are opportunities to win. But as you age, with injuries, you have to tackle it well. So, it is stressful when you play at that level. So, I am sure she is going through a little bit of stress and pressure.
“But I think after winning this, she has got her confidence back. And you can never write a champion off. She is always going to come back and do well. She has played at that level for so many years.”
The bronze medallist from the 2012 London Olympics also hoped that the younger generation of players will become consistent.
“I think a lot of youngsters who are playing well, they have to come and win because consistency is very important in badminton,” she said.
“That’s why I think we are the second most loved sport because there is a lot of consistency. So, just the juniors have to look forward to the next championship. And doing well there is important.”
The Badminton World Championships will return to India from August 17–23 after a 17-year hiatus. According to Saina, the hosts have players who can win medals at home. She also wished for a successful tournament.
“I am very happy after so many years India is hosting the World Championships. As we see Sindhu is in great form. She won the Japan Open yesterday, played extremely well,” said Saina, who won silver and bronze at the 2015 and 2017 World Championships respectively.
“And Lakshya (Sen) is playing extremely well. We have great players who are, I think, capable of winning it in India in front of our home crowd. And at the same time, quite a few youngsters also will be there in participation.
“But I just hope that it will be one of the finest championships in the world. And I don’t have any complaints about how it was in the India Open. I just want it to go smoothly and perfectly.”
